or 



LETTER XXXVII. 



To the same. 



SELBORNE, 1771. 



EAR SIR, On the twelfth of July I had a 

 fair opportunity of contemplating the mo- 

 tions of the caprimulgus, or fern-owl, as it 

 was playing round a large oak that swarmed 

 with Scarabcei solstitiales, or fern-chafers. The 

 powers of its wing were wonderful, exceed- 

 ing, if possible, the various evolutions and 

 quick turns of the swallow genus. But the circumstance that 

 pleased me most was, that I saw it distinctly, more than once, 

 put out its short leg while on the wing, and, by a bend of the 

 head, deliver somewhat into its mouth. If it takes any part 

 of its prey with its foot, as I have now the greatest reason to 

 suppose it does these chafers, I no longer wonder at the use 

 of its middle toe, which is curiously furnished with a serrated 

 claw. 



